Tuesday, July 31, 2012

My brain has been buzzing the last few days, filled with the memories and moments that made up Camp Goodtimes 2012. The strength and integrity of these kids completely blows me away. In the face of the hardest struggle imaginable, they stand tall and strong, and at Camp Goodtimes they stood as one. The danced, they sang, they cried, and they willingly and joyously offered an arm or a hand to anyone who needed them. They sent out shock waves of love and compassion that are still circling the world.

On the last night of camp, I put together some slideshows and videos, and for one video I picked the song "Titanium". The song has been stuck in my head for the last month or so because of its incredibly rich and emotional tone. When I put it together with slow motion video of the kids it just grabbed my heart right away. I showed it that night to the entire camp and it perfectly expressed what I wanted to say to the kids. I was also thankful that a cute little girl smiled and handed me a Kleenex during the video. Tears of joy are good for the soul in my book.

It wasn't until today that I looked up all the lyrics to the song. What I found was incredible. The words apply perfectly to these amazing kids and their families who stare down the cancer monster daily. Their strength, their hope, and their yearning to make the most of everything single moment of their lives vibrates with such pure emotion that I wish I could just bottle it up and share it with the world. These kids understand the value of 'now'. They know how beautiful a moment can be if they just open up their hearts and pour themselves into it. I'm in awe of them and the volunteers too who give so selflessly.

Last week will never happen again. And that is completely OK. Every camp session is a kind of performance art. It is unique and beautiful because of all the wonderful elements that the "performers" bring to it.

Last week an extended family was created and I was honored to be there to witness it and become a part of it.

Titanium- by David Guetta, featuring Sia

You should it loud,
but I can't hear a word you say,
I'm talking loud,
not saying much.
I'm criticized,
but all your bullets ricochet.
You shoot me down,
but I get up.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tony blew me away yesterday. We had made arrangements for him to bring his girlfriend, Desirée, and some other friends on a harbor tour at Argosy Cruises on the Seattle waterfront. I had wanted to see him ever since he told me months ago about his recent cancer relapse and subsequent terminal diagnosis. I was anxious to hear how he was doing and how many more items he has been able, through amazing kindness, to cross off his bucket list. His big item, meeting Katy Perry, is still on the list but progress is being made. His video to her has already collected close to 60,000 hits on YouTube so I'm hoping that he will be able to meet her sometime soon.

In making arrangements for the boat ride he shared with me that he was planning on asking Desirée to marry him during the tour! When that shocker finally sunk in I was just hoping that everything would go just as he wanted it too. Tony is truly deserving of some good news nowadays.

I waited for him on the pier with tickets in hand as it was getting closer and closer to the boat's departure time at 1:30. Because of traffic and parking they actually missed the boat. Luckily (and perfectly) Argosy added another tour at 1:45 and Tony, Desirée and four wonderful friends all jumped on the Lady Mary for a one hour tour.

Yesterday wasn't about a prognosis or the unknown for Tony. It wasn't about the chaos of his cancer journey at all. And it wasn't just about him...it was about them. It was about two young people deeply in love who both said yes to love. The future might be unknown but what Tony and Desirée do know is the most important thing. They know how much they love each and they are looking forward to tomorrow with hope and excitement. How incredible is that?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

A friend of mine from Camp Goodtimes, Tony Harrison, is in the battle of his life right now. He has just been given a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Tony is only 20 years old and has been fighting the monster for 4 years now. His recent bone marrow transplant was his last chance at getting his life back. Tragically, his cancer has now returned. Listen in his own words as he reaches out to his family and friends and then continues to express his Bucket List, which is very modest. His only extraordinary wish is to meet Katy Perry. Tony is a very talented musician himself and has always looked up to Katy Perry. Does anyone out there have any connections for this big wish or even the little ones?

Please pass this around and perhaps you can help make Tony's dreams come true. He has always been such a genuine young man and has shown so much compassion towards others. He now is deserving of some of that compassion returning back to him.